章節 18: Chapter-16: Xuantian Monastery's Registrants!!

Long Chen and his comrades, having successfully crossed the bridge and navigated through the small forest, finally emerged into an open field. The air was thick with tension as the sounds of a fierce battle reached their ears. In the distance, two figures were locked in violent combat, their movements a blur of fury and skill. One of the fighters was the same eagle-clawed man they had driven away earlier. Despite the intensity of the fight, it was clear that these warriors were of a much lower caliber than Long Chen and his group.

The onlookers whispered among themselves, their voices tinged with awe and fear.

"What terrifying attacks!"

"That's Eagle Mountain's Ying family's consummate technique. That person must be the Ying family's number one genius, Ying Mingyang."

As the crowd murmured in hushed tones, their attention was drawn to a youth who had just appeared. He was of average build and unremarkable appearance, but something about him stood out. His eyes, though seemingly vulgar and perverted, betrayed a cunning intelligence. He approached Long Chen and his group with an air of confidence, despite his somewhat sleazy demeanor.

"Hello, elder brother," the youth greeted them with a respectful nod, though his eyes glinted with a merchant's cunning. "This little brother is known as the know-it-all of the Xuantian Monastery. If you have any questions, you can always ask me. There is nothing I don't know about this place," he solemnly vowed, patting his chest in a show of confidence.

Long Chen raised an eyebrow, taken aback by this sudden introduction. He studied the youth carefully, trying to gauge his intentions. There was something both amusing and suspicious about him.

"Anything? No matter how small or big, about the Xuantian Monastery?" Long Chen asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Of course! Ten years ago, I began gathering information about the Xuantian Monastery. I've thoroughly investigated everything within the monastery, especially the information about the disciple testing! But, if my information satisfies you, I will have to ask for a small consultation fee," the youth replied, his voice tinged with false modesty.

Long Chen couldn't help but smile. The youth's act was transparent; his greed was evident in the glint of his eyes. Despite his modest tone, it was clear that he was a shrewd businessman at heart.

"You started gathering information ten years ago? Are you that sure of being able to enter the Xuantian Monastery?" Long Chen inquired, intrigued by the youth's confidence.

"Of course! This is what is called preparing ahead! By taking the long view at the beginning, one doesn't need to worry about the future. Look at those fresh rookies—they don't know anything about the testing procedure, and they'll definitely suffer for it. So, elder brother, are you interested?" the youth asked fervently, his eyes flickering with excitement.

Long Chen noticed the youth's gaze shift to Little Snow, his loyal companion. It was clear that this seemingly perverted youth had recognized what Little Snow was—a fourth-rank Magical Beast. The youth likely assumed that Long Chen was a wealthy and powerful individual, given the rarity and strength of his beast.

This youth, despite his appearance and demeanor, was no ordinary person. Long Chen could sense the strong foundation of his cultivation; he was at the late Blood Condensation realm, and his power was impressively reserved. Beneath his perverted facade, he was a formidable expert.

Long Chen smirked as a thought crossed his mind. This youth perfectly matched the description of someone he had heard of—a genius craftsman and the vice-leader of what would become his own legion, Guo Ran.

"I, Guo Ran, am extremely upright and will never cheat anyone. For a normal question, I only charge a middle-grade second-tier medicinal pill, but if—" Before Guo Ran could finish his sentence, Long Chen interrupted him with a bold proposal.

"Become one of my brothers-in-arms, and we will be loyal to each other," Long Chen declared, his tone leaving no room for doubt. As he spoke, he handed Guo Ran a bottle of Peerless-grade Blood Condensation Pills.

Guo Ran's eyes widened in surprise and delight. The moment he laid eyes on the pills, he knew they were of the highest quality. Without a second thought, he pledged his loyalty. "Brother, no matter what, I, Guo Ran, am your loyal and devoted brother," he declared, clutching the bottle to his chest with a look of utter devotion.

Long Chen's comrades burst into laughter at the sight. The scene was both amusing and a little surreal—Guo Ran, who moments ago had been negotiating like a shrewd merchant, was now clinging to Long Chen like a lost puppy.

Long Chen, trying to maintain some semblance of dignity, gently pushed Guo Ran away, warning him not to get too close. "I'm not interested in guys," he said with a smirk.

Guo Ran laughed along with the others, his earlier demeanor completely forgotten. Long Chen's friends exchanged knowing glances, their eyes filled with a mixture of amusement and exasperation. It was clear what they were all thinking—'Pervert!' Long Chen, however, wasn't about to let them get away with it. He quickly smacked each of them on the head, silencing their teasing.

After the laughter died down, they all introduced themselves to Guo Ran, who was quick to form a bond with them. At the end of the introductions, Long Chen said with a mischievous grin, "I'm Long Chen. As for where I come from… heh, it's not something I can share."

He definitely couldn't reveal his origins from the Phoenix Cry Empire or his connections to the Desolate Long Clan in the Immortal Worlds. Such information could stir up unwanted attention.

Guo Ran, however, didn't press for details. He wasn't suspicious of Long Chen's reluctance to disclose his background. After all, someone who possessed a fourth-rank Scarlet Flame Snow Wolf couldn't possibly come from a lowly background.

As they continued to chat, Guo Ran quickly became friendly with the group. Long Chen's comrades also warmed up to him, trusting Long Chen's judgment. After all, Long Chen had an uncanny ability to read people's intentions and emotions, ensuring that no evil would come close to them.

As their conversation drew to a close, the battle between Ying Mingyang and his opponent reached its climax. The eagle-clawed man had emerged victorious, his opponent, Ren Shan, beaten and dejected. Guo Ran explained that Ren Shan had married into the Wonder River Valley family, a rival of the Ying family. It was clear that Ying Mingyang had cornered him, forcing him into a humiliating agreement.

As Ren Shan prepared to leave, head hung low, Guo Ran turned to Long Chen and asked in a hushed voice, "Right, brother Long, which faction are you guys planning on relying on?"

Long Chen didn't answer immediately. Instead, he stepped forward, stopping Ren Shan in his tracks. Guo Ran was confused and a bit alarmed. He didn't want Long Chen to get involved in a feud with Ying Mingyang, fearing for his new brother's safety. But what happened next left everyone in shock.

As Long Chen approached, his very presence seemed to cause Ying Mingyang and his pet to tremble in fear. The once arrogant genius now looked like a frightened child in front of Long Chen. "Why don't you both fight me? If I lose, I'll leave, but if I win, or if you refuse the challenge, Mr. Ren will be allowed to enter the trials. How about it?" Long Chen's voice was calm, yet it carried a weight that made everyone hold their breath.

The crowd watched in suspense, but instead of accepting the challenge, Ying Mingyang froze, paralyzed by fear. Before he could respond, a playful voice rang out from a distance. It was Lu Fang'er. "Long Chen, let him be. Don't scare a baby too much…" Her teasing tone only added to the tension in the air.

Long Chen chuckled and nodded, "Okay, I'll let you live, and he gets in." With those words, Long Chen turned and walked back to his group. As soon as he did, Ying Mingyang collapsed to the ground, unconscious from sheer terror. The crowd, including Guo Ran, was left in a state of shock and disbelief.

Once the situation had calmed down, Long Chen finally responded to Guo Ran's earlier question. "I won't join any faction. I already have a faction, and no one else is allowed."

Just as Long Chen finished speaking, a wave of excitement rippled through the crowd. Three beautiful maidens had just walked into the mountain pass. Their arrival caused an uproar among the onlookers. The leader of the group was especially captivating—her figure was lithe and graceful, her smile revealing light dimples that made others feel as if they were being cleansed by a spring breeze. Her most enchanting feature, however, was her pair of soul-stealing eyes. Anyone caught in her gaze felt their heart race uncontrollably.

"Tang Wan'er has arrived," exclaimed Guo Ran, his voice filled with awe and admiration.

The onlookers, including Tang Wan'er and her comrades, exchanged uncertain glances. And they felt more flabbergasted when the ferocious and hot-headed Chang Li, utterly subdued. Chang Li, who was infamous for his explosive temper and unyielding nature, now moved quietly and cautiously in Long Chen's presence, a testament to the palpable aura of authority that Long Chen exuded.

They could not comprehend the depths of Long Chen's power or his mysterious background. There was an enigma about him that seemed to defy explanation, leaving everyone around him in a state of reverent awe. Even Ren Shan, the man whom Long Chen had just saved, approached him with a deep bow of gratitude, his voice trembling with respect as he thanked Long Chen for his timely intervention. To this, Long Chen responded with a casual nod, as if saving someone's life was merely a trivial task, not worth dwelling upon.

Reaching into his spatial ring, Guo Ran took out a scroll and handed it to Long Chen. "These are the Xuantian Monastery's 1,087 rules. You should read through them carefully."

Long Chen unrolled the scroll and skimmed through the contents, his eyes narrowing as he absorbed the information. The Xuantian Monastery's rules were as numerous as they were bizarre. For example, once you joined a faction, you were forbidden from leaving it, a rule clearly designed to test the disciples' judgment and build loyalty. Romantic relationships were permitted, but chastity had to be maintained—a rule that struck Long Chen as both archaic and restrictive.

Another rule stated that in battles between disciples of the same level, it was forbidden to take the opponent's life or cripple them in any way. However, challenges could be issued at any time, with no fear of punishment. The rules were a mixture of the practical and the absurd, designed to create a harsh, competitive environment where only the strongest could thrive.

Long Chen realized that these rules favored the powerful, creating an environment where the weak were constantly bullied and oppressed. In such a place, you either rose to the challenge and soared to new heights or were crushed under the weight of humiliation and despair, eventually being expelled from the monastery.

Just as the tension seemed to ease, the atmosphere shifted once more. A powerful sword intent erupted from a distance, slicing through the air with such intensity that it drew the attention of everyone present. The sudden surge of energy was so overwhelming that it felt as if the very ground beneath them was trembling in response. Eyes widened in shock as they searched for the source of this formidable aura. Guo Ran, who had been standing beside Long Chen, felt a cold shiver run down his spine. Before he could react, Long Chen had already vanished from his spot, leaving behind nothing but a faint afterimage. It was as if he had melted into the air itself.

Panic gripped Guo Ran for a moment, but before he could process what was happening, Shi Feng's strong hand grabbed him and yanked him back. Shi Feng's comrades began to disappear one by one, moving with such speed and precision that they seemed to blend into the wind. In the blink of an eye, a massive crater, ten meters wide, appeared where they had been standing. The force of Long Chen's departure had carved a deep imprint into the earth, the sheer power of his movement a testament to his unparalleled strength. The crater led directly toward the source of the sword intent, a trail of destruction left in Long Chen's wake.

Shi Feng, carrying Guo Ran effortlessly, took off in pursuit. As they hurtled forward at a speed that made the landscape blur around them, Guo Ran couldn't help but marvel at the sheer power on display. They had crossed nearly a hundred meters in an instant, and the scene that unfolded before them was nothing short of awe-inspiring.

In the midst of a clearing, a fierce battle raged between Qi Xin and Lei Qianshang, two of the most formidable figures pursuing Tang Wan'er. The clash of their energies created shockwaves that rippled through the air, sending waves of dust and debris flying in every direction. Standing nearby, observing the fight with a calm intensity, were Yue Zifeng, the famous Sword Cultivator, and Ye Zhiqiu, known as the Ice Queen for her icy demeanor and equally cold power. The tension in the air was palpable, every breath thick with the anticipation of what was to come.

As Tang Wan'er, Meng Qi, Lu Fang'er, and other side characters followed from behind, their eyes were drawn to Long Chen, who moved toward Yue Zifeng with a quiet confidence. Without paying any heed to the chaos around him, Long Chen winked playfully at Ye Zhiqiu, his mischievous smile making her feel both awkward and confused. She, who was known for her cold, unapproachable nature, found herself momentarily flustered, an emotion she hadn't felt in years.

As Long Chen reached Yue Zifeng, he began to speak, his voice carrying a weight of wisdom that seemed to cut through the noise of the battle like a blade.

"To grasp the true essence of the sword, one must not merely wield it but become one with it. In the stillness of the heart, the sword's spirit shall awaken, guiding the cultivator beyond the mortal realm."

The words hung in the air, resonating with a truth that seemed to echo deep within Yue Zifeng's soul. His hand, which had been clenched around the hilt of his sword, relaxed as he listened, the tension in his body melting away.

"When the sword and soul align, only then can the cultivator transcend their earthly limits and touch the heavens. Seek not power in the blade, but harmony in the heart."

Yue Zifeng's eyes narrowed in contemplation, the profoundness of Long Chen's words sinking in. It was as if Long Chen had seen straight into the core of his being, identifying the struggles and doubts that had plagued him for so long.

"A true sword cultivator understands that the sharpest blade is not forged in fire, but in the clarity of one's mind and the purity of one's intent. Master yourself, and the sword shall follow."

The impact of these words was immediate and far-reaching. Shi Feng, Chen Hong, and Yan Qing, who had already heard these quotes during their journey from the Phoenix Cry Empire to the Xuantian Monastery, nodded in silent agreement, their respect for Long Chen deepening. They had already experienced the power of these teachings in their own cultivation, using them to stabilize and strengthen their sword intents. Now, they watched as Yue Zifeng fell into a deep silence, his mind processing the wisdom that had just been imparted to him.

But it wasn't just Yue Zifeng who was affected. Ye Zhiqiu, standing a short distance away, found herself equally moved by Long Chen's words. Despite her icy exterior, something within her stirred, as if a long-dormant part of her soul had been awakened. Even an unknown figure, hidden away in a room far from the battlefield, observed the scene with rapt attention, his heart resonating with the truth in Long Chen's words.

Moments later, a violent aura began to erupt from Yue Zifeng's body. It was as if a dam had burst within him, releasing a flood of energy that had been held back for far too long. Simultaneously, a similar aura erupted from Ye Zhiqiu, the force of their combined energies causing the ground to tremble. The two fools, Qi Xin and Lei Qianshang, who had been fighting so fiercely for Tang Wan'er's attention, were brought to a halt, their arrogance and aggression immediately snuffed out by the overwhelming presence of Yue Zifeng and Ye Zhiqiu.

The entire area fell silent as all eyes turned to the two figures who seemed on the verge of a major breakthrough. The violent energy that had erupted from them gradually calmed, their auras stabilizing as they reached a new level of understanding in their cultivation. When they opened their eyes, the sharpness of Sword Intent was vivid within them, a clear indication of the profound change they had just undergone.

Both Yue Zifeng and Ye Zhiqiu turned to Long Chen, their expressions a mix of gratitude and newfound respect. They both knew that without his timely intervention, they might have never reached this breakthrough. In a gesture of camaraderie, Long Chen extended his hand to them, offering not just friendship, but a bond of shared understanding and mutual respect.

As Long Chen pondered the implications of these rules, a voice interrupted his thoughts. A tall, muscular man with a powerful aura stepped forward, blocking Long Chen's path. His presence was intimidating, his eyes cold and merciless.

"Brat, I'll give you one chance. Kneel down and apologize to my brother," the man demanded icily.

Long Chen glanced at the man and then at the battered figure standing a short distance away—the youth he had beaten up earlier. The connection was clear; this man was here for revenge.

"Be careful, boss," Guo Ran whispered urgently. "This is one of Qi Xin's people. His cultivation base is extremely powerful."

Long Chen's gaze shifted to Qi Xin, who was standing in the distance, surrounded by his followers, who treated him with a reverence that bordered on worship. Long Chen's lips curled into a cold smile, his irritation evident in the sharpness of his expression.

"If you don't want to die, then fuck off. I'm already really pissed," Long Chen said, his voice low and dangerous. His patience had worn thin, and he had no intention of tolerating any further provocations.

The man blocking his path sneered, his expression one of cruel delight. "I don't care if you're pissed. How about I beat you until you feel better?"

The man's aura flared as he moved to completely seal off Long Chen's escape routes, his confidence in his own strength evident in his every movement. But Long Chen was not one to back down from a challenge, especially not from someone who was clearly underestimating him. And so to everyone's surprise just one slap from Long Chen... yes, a slap that looked so elegant and simple was enough to make the bulky, heavy person fly directly to Qi Xin who upon trying to block the incoming of heavy fall of the man on him created a shield only to be blown away with blood spurting from his mouth leaving everyone there shocked.

Just as Qi Xin was about to the resonant sound of a bell echoed through the valley, a deep, reverberating chime that sent a shiver down the spines of all present. The grand gate began to creak open, the sound of ancient mechanisms groaning as if reluctant to reveal what lay beyond. For most, the source of the bell remained a mystery, hidden from their view by the monastery's towering walls. But not for Long Chen and his companions. With their heightened senses, they could clearly perceive the bell's origin, high atop one of the monastery's central spires, where a monk in flowing robes stood, his hand still resting on the massive clapper.

As the gate continued to open, an incredibly dense wave of spiritual qi flooded out, enveloping the registrants in its overwhelming presence. The sheer intensity of the qi was enough to take their breath away, making the hair on their arms stand on end. Long Chen, ever perceptive, immediately understood that this gate was no ordinary structure—it was part of a grand formation designed to keep the spiritual qi contained within the monastery, preventing it from dissipating into the outside world. The realization left him in silent awe of the power and resources that must have gone into creating such a formidable barrier.

Once the gate was fully open, a group of figures emerged from the shadowy interior. They moved with the grace and confidence of seasoned warriors, their faces set in expressions of calm detachment. Dressed in black robes, these individuals appeared to be in their twenties, but their eyes held a depth of experience that suggested they had seen more than their youthful appearances might indicate. They walked in a tight formation, their leader—a tall, serious-looking man—at the forefront. His gaze swept over the crowd of hopefuls, his expression unreadable, yet it conveyed an unspoken message: Only the strong would survive here.

After surveying the group, the leader spoke, his voice clear and commanding. "Let me introduce myself. I am the attendant in charge of welcoming you all. I am also responsible for overseeing the trial you must pass to enter the monastery."

He paused, allowing his words to sink in before continuing. "Additionally, I hold another status here. We all do. We are your senior apprentice-brothers. In other words, we were once just like you—registrants standing in this very spot, waiting to be judged."

A murmur of surprise rippled through the crowd. Many had not expected to be greeted by those who had only recently been in their shoes. But Guo Ran, ever the informed one, remained calm. It was clear he had anticipated this. The leader allowed the crowd's reaction to settle before continuing his speech.

"Three years ago, we were just like you, filled with dreams and expectations. But now I must pour some cold water over your enthusiasm. This place is not what you imagine it to be."

His tone grew darker, more ominous. "This place is extremely cruel. It is not like the homes you've come from. This place is a hell, and if you wish to retreat, now is your last chance."

A palpable sense of dread washed over the group. The man's words were like a blade, cutting through the fragile hopes that many of them had harbored. One brave soul, his voice quavering, dared to ask the question that was on everyone's mind. "Excuse me, but among the previous generation of senior apprentice-brothers, are you the only ones who remain?"

The leader's response was immediate, his voice carrying a note of bitter truth. "Yes. The more powerful ones have already left, leaving only us. In our generation, we are the ones who pad the bottom."

His words were met with disdain by some in the crowd. They whispered among themselves, dismissing these senior apprentice-brothers as mere cannon fodder. "So they're just the leftovers," one person muttered under his breath, his tone dripping with contempt. "Why'd they have to act so grand?"

The leader heard their murmurs but did not react. Instead, he smiled slightly, as if he had expected such a response. He looked over the group once more, his gaze lingering on the faces of those who had dared to speak ill of them. "The time has arrived," he announced, his voice cutting through the crowd's chatter. "Take out your registration cards. We'll be going over everyone one by one."

The registrants hurried to comply, fumbling with their belongings to produce the cards that would determine their fate. The group of senior apprentice-brothers split up, each taking a section of the crowd to inspect.

Suddenly, a commotion erupted. One of the black-robed figures pointed accusingly at a registrant, his voice sharp. "Where did you get this registration card?"

The accused man hesitated, panic flickering in his eyes before he quickly masked it with a sneer. "It was given to me by your monastery. Don't you recognize it?"

But the senior apprentice-brother was not fooled. "This registration card isn't yours. Although you've changed your appearance, you can't trick me. You're someone who killed for someone else's registration card."

The registrant's face blanched, his composure shattering in an instant. Without hesitation, he lashed out with a punch, but it was a feint. Before his attack could land, he was already retreating, attempting to flee.

But the black-robed man simply smiled, a cold, ruthless smile that sent chills down the spines of all who saw it. He raised his hand slowly, almost lazily, as if what he was about to do required no effort at all. The fleeing registrant suddenly froze in mid-air, his limbs thrashing wildly as he struggled against an invisible force. His screams echoed through the valley, a horrifying sound that made the blood of those watching run cold.

"Die."

The word was uttered with chilling finality, and in the next instant, the registrant's body exploded in a shower of blood, the crimson mist hanging in the air like some macabre firework. The smell of blood filled the air, a sickening scent that clung to the registrants' clothes and seemed to seep into their very bones.

Long Chen including his comrades, Meng Qi, Lu Fang'er, and Yue Zifeng remained unmoved, their expression calm as he watched the scene unfold. They had expected this level of ruthlessness, having already experienced the brutal reality of the cultivation world. But for the others, the shock was overwhelming. They had known this world was harsh, but to see such a casual display of lethal power was a sobering reminder of the dangers they now faced.

The senior apprentice-brothers continued their inspections, moving from one registrant to the next with an air of detached efficiency. The earlier whispers of disdain were now replaced with a tense silence, the registrants too terrified to utter another word. The grim fate of the impostor served as a stark warning: there would be no mercy for those who did not belong.

Finally, one of the black-robed figures arrived in front of Long Chen, his eyes narrowing as he inspected the registration card. "Huh?" he muttered, his expression shifting to one of slight confusion. He looked up at Long Chen, his gaze searching, as if trying to understand what was so unusual about this particular registrant.

The air was thick with tension as the crowd of registrants watched the interaction between Long Chen and the senior apprentice-brother with bated breath. The moment that person reached for Long Chen's registration card, Guo Ran, who was standing loyally by his side, almost leaped to his boss's defense. A surge of anxiety shot through him—how could there be anything wrong with Long Chen's registration card? His boss had earned it fair and square, hadn't he? But the sudden scrutiny drew the attention of those who had already been inspected, their curiosity piqued by the unexpected delay.

In the front row, Tang Wan-er's heart skipped a beat as she looked over in shock. Could it be? Had this scoundrel really stolen someone else's registration card? The thought wasn't entirely far-fetched. Long Chen was bold and brash, with an attitude that seemed to fear neither heaven nor earth. Though Long Chen was good, according to Meng Qi and Lu Fang'er, he showed arrogant demeanor and devil-may-care approach to life which made it easy for her to imagine him doing something so reckless. Her mind raced as she considered the possibility that Long Chen might actually have taken someone else's card, and if so, would he be killed right here, right now, in front of everyone?

Meanwhile, Lei Qianshang and Qi Xin watched the scene unfold with complete indifference. Qi Xin, in particular, could barely contain his glee. The corners of his mouth twitched into a cruel smile as he imagined the senior apprentice-brother killing Long Chen with a single, decisive blow, just like he had with the imposter before. He longed to see Long Chen's blood staining the ground, his arrogant smirk wiped from his face forever.

But the tension escalated when the scrutinizing senior apprentice-brother handed Long Chen's registration card to another figure—a man with a solemn, authoritative air who was addressed as "Senior apprentice-brother Wan." As Wan received the card, his eyes narrowed in slight surprise. He looked up, his gaze moving over Long Chen and the members of his group, scrutinizing each one carefully before asking in a measured tone, "You're Long Chen, Shi Feng, Yu Yong, Song Ming, … and Lu Fang'er?" He listed off their names, each syllable heavy with implication as if he were confirming their identities against some unseen record.

Long Chen and his group only nodded in response, their expressions steady, revealing nothing of the anxiety that gnawed at them from within. Each registration card bore a particular pattern, seemingly identical to the untrained eye. But to those who knew how to read them, there were minute differences—subtle variations in the length, thickness, or arrangement of the lines. These tiny details held vital information, the registrants' personal data encoded within the designs. This was highly confidential, known only to the authorities of the Xuantian Monastery. Anyone foolish enough to steal a card and think they could bluff their way in would inevitably meet a gruesome fate, as had just been demonstrated.

The fact that this particular senior apprentice-brother had seen something in Long Chen's registration card that was so unbelievable, so unexpected, that he felt compelled to call for further verification, was now the source of mounting unease. As whispers spread through the crowd, those watching felt the atmosphere grow thick with suspense.

"Yes? Is there a problem?" Long Chen's voice cut through the tense silence, his tone casual, almost bored, as if the entire affair was beneath his notice. But behind his cool demeanor, he was fully alert, ready to react to any threat.

Senior apprentice-brother Wan shook his head slowly, his expression inscrutable. "There's no problem. Please just wait a bit." His words did little to alleviate the tension, and the unease in the air only grew thicker.

Senior apprentice-brother Wan was no ordinary disciple. He had spent years in the Xuantian Monastery, and during that time, he had learned to recognize power when he saw it. His years of cultivation had taught him how to control his spiritual qi with precision, but even he was not capable of completely concealing his aura. Yet here stood Long Chen, a figure who, despite his casual stance, emitted not even the faintest hint of spiritual energy. To the untrained eye, Long Chen appeared as ordinary as a secular mortal, but Senior apprentice-brother Wan knew better. The fact that Long Chen could stand there, seemingly without power, and still remain completely unaffected by his intense scrutiny, spoke volumes. This was no ordinary man, and Senior apprentice-brother Wan couldn't help but admire the depth of his control. And the fact that not only Long Chen but even all of his comrades had such qualities made him smirk in his heart thinking of the events which may unfold within the Monastery.

Handing the registration card back to Long Chen, Senior apprentice-brother Wan's face showed the slightest hint of respect. He quickly finished inspecting a few more people before stepping back and waving his hand. With a single, fluid motion, a large pile of palm-sized jade tiles appeared on the ground before him. These tiles, inscribed with various symbols and words, were the key to the next stage of the trial. "Hand out these tiles," Wan commanded, his voice firm.

As the tiles were distributed, the crowd buzzed with curiosity and apprehension. Glancing down at the tile in his hand, Guo Ran saw that it bore the word 'Huang'—a mark that carried with it a sense of foreboding. Uncertainty clouded his thoughts as he wondered what this symbol meant for their upcoming trial. "Boss," Guo Ran said quietly, a hint of worry creeping into his voice, "this is our proof of trial. We're about to enter a cruel elimination. I don't know whether we can pass."

But before he could voice his concerns further, another unsettling realization struck. Everyone else had received their tiles, but not Long Chen and his group. They stood there, empty-handed, as confused looks began to spread among the registrants. Yue Zifeng, his sharp mind quick to notice the discrepancy, stepped forward and addressed Wan directly. "Senior apprentice-brother Wan, why was brother Long not given a tile?" His voice carried a note of polite inquiry, but there was no mistaking the underlying tension.

All eyes turned to Long Chen and his companions, the air thick with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. Wan paused, his gaze sweeping over the crowd before he finally spoke. "As stated by the Law Enforcement Elder, they are the core disciples of the Xuantian Monastery."

The words fell like a thunderclap, stunning everyone into silence. Long Chen himself was momentarily taken aback. Core disciples? He had suspected there was something special about his situation, but this—this was beyond anything he had imagined. His shock mirrored that of the other registrants, whose expressions quickly shifted from confusion to outrage.

A wave of indignation rippled through the crowd. Accusations of corruption and favoritism erupted from all sides. "This is cheating!" one voice shouted. "How can they be made core disciples without going through the trials like the rest of us?"

The chaos grew louder as more voices joined in, questioning the integrity of the sect and the fairness of the process. Senior apprentice-brother Wan and his peers tried to maintain order, their calm demeanor cracking under the strain of the rising discontent. But the tide of anger was not easily quelled. Then, amid the clamor, a voice rang out above the rest, dripping with venom and contempt.

One of Qi Xin's subordinates, emboldened by the crowd's fury, dared to curse Elder Tu Fang, the Law Enforcement Elder, branding him as a corrupt figure who had tainted the monastery's honor. The insult hung in the air like a dark cloud, and in the next instant, the atmosphere shifted from tense to terrifying.

A bone-chilling silence fell over the crowd as Senior apprentice-brother Wan's killing intent flared to life, a tangible force that sent shivers down the spines of all present. But as terrifying as Wan's aura was, it was nothing compared to what followed. The rash subordinate, still smirking with the satisfaction of his outburst, suddenly let out a blood-curdling scream as his limbs were severed with a speed that defied comprehension. Blood sprayed across the ground as his severed limbs fell in a grotesque heap, and the crowd recoiled in horror.

Even the senior apprentice-brothers, seasoned as they were, felt a deep sense of dread as they witnessed the brutality of the attack. But their horror turned to outright terror when they realized the source of the killing intent that now dominated the field. Long Chen, who had remained calm throughout the uproar, now stood with a look that could freeze the very air around him. His eyes were cold, merciless, and his body emanated an aura so dense, so concentrated with killing intent, that it felt as though death itself had taken human form.

Those closest to him instinctively backed away their hearts pounding in their chests. The raw, murderous energy that radiated from Long Chen was unlike anything they had ever encountered. It was as if a God of Death had descended upon them, intent on claiming the life of the fool who had dared to speak ill of someone Long Chen respected.

For the first time, the crowd understood that Long Chen was not just another registrant, not just another face in the sea of hopefuls. He was something far more dangerous, far more powerful. The realization settled over them like a cold, suffocating fog, and no one dared to speak, lest they draw his wrath upon themselves.

The once-chaotic scene had transformed into a landscape of pure terror, where the only sound was the ragged breathing of those too scared to move. Long Chen's companions—his loyal comrades, Meng Qi, Lu Fang'er, and Yue Zifeng—stood silently beside him, their expressions calm, yet there was a steely resolve in their eyes. They had seen this side of Long Chen before, and they knew better than to interfere when his wrath was awakened. And among them was dear Wilde who also released his killing intent thinking his brother needed some aid creating more fear among the people though they couldn't even move due to their fear.

To Be Continued....

[NOTE: Guys, I know I am Late but I have already written a Apology Note before. And I am for real, you guys should kknow how hard Real life is. I Hope You Love This Chapter and if any problem then please tell me.]